Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond at Balmaha

Measuring twenty-seven and a half square miles, Loch Lomond is the
largest single inland waterway in Britain. It is a haven for tourists, being
only 20 miles north-west of Glasgow and on one of the main
routes north.

Loch Lomond was formed during the Ice Age by the action of
glaciers. Later it was at the junction of three ancient kingdoms, Strathclyde,
Dalriada and Pictland. The
loch also crosses the highland fault line, noticeable in its changing character
and more rugged terrain moving from south to north. The highest mountain in the
area and the most southerly Munro,Ben Lomond (3,195ft), sits on the loch's
eastern shore.

There are 37 islands in the loch, some having seen habitation: they
made perfect retreats for early Christians. One island, Inchmurrin, takes its
name from the missionary St Mirrin who spent some time there.

The main tourist focus is on the western shore of the loch, along
the A82 and at the southern end, around
Balloch. Here is the place to
head for boat trips around the loch or to view the pleasure craft. This is also
the home of Maid of the Loch, an
authentic paddle steamer currently undergoing restoration. Near by, the
Loch Lomond Shores
development continues to attract large numbers of visitors.

Most picturesque of Loch Lomond's villages is
Luss on the west bank. Its streets are
laid out in a linear pattern and were originally part of the planned estate
village built by the Colquhouns. Recently restored, they present a pretty
sight, as does the parish church with its interesting central altar. But most
striking are the views from the loch-side walk and pier, extending
uninterrupted along the loch.

Also on the western side are the villages of Arden,
Tarbet and, most northerly,
Ardlui. Arden boasts Scotland's most beautiful Youth Hostel, housed in a grand
turreted building complete with ghost. Tarbet, 17 miles north of
Balloch, is on the West Highland
line from Glasgow to
Mallaig as is Ardlui at the
mountain-framed head of the loch.

On the eastern side of the loch, you find the northern end of the
public road, as well as a hotel and a Youth Hostel at Rowardennan. This side of
the loch carries the West
Highland Way on its route north to
Fort William from its
start point at Milngavie
just north of Glasgow; and from
the car park just beyond Rowardennan Hotel is the start of the 'tourist route'
up Ben Lomond.

The main place of habitation and also of tourism on this side of
the loch is the village of Balmaha, at the end of the B837.
Sitting directly behind it is Conic Hill, a humpy mound that marks the
geological line where the highlands begin. This is a busy place in summer,
serving as a starting point for boat excursions round Loch Lomond's islands.